October 27, 2026
Author: Vitéz Prince Philipp Ernst zu Hohenlohe-Langenburg. Staff Captain of Germany Region
Vitéz Prince Philipp Ernst zu Hohenlohe-Langenburg’s report on the Pilgrimage (October 16–18, 2026).
Situated at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, the city of Passau has a history that has been closely intertwined with Hungary for centuries. It was here, in the venerable monastery church of Niedernburg, that Blessed Gisela, wife of Saint Stephen, King of Hungary, found her final resting place. Her tomb was the destination of an international pilgrimage of the Order of Vitéz, which brought together pilgrims from Hungary, the Czech Republic, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United States and Germany from 16th to 18th of October, 2026.
As host and organiser, it was a particular honour and pleasure for me to welcome His Imperial and Royal Highness, Vitéz Archduke Joseph Karl of Habsburg-Lorraine, Captain General of our Order, among us throughout the entire pilgrimage.
On Friday evening, the arriving pilgrims gathered at the traditional Bavarian inn Bayerischer Löwe. The reunion of old acquaintances and the opportunity to meet fellow members of the Order from various countries marked the beginning of three days devoted to faith, history and fellowship.
On Saturday, our first destination was the imposing Veste Oberhaus fortress. Towering above the city, it serves as a reminder of the long and eventful history of the Prince-Bishops of Passau. A guided tour, both informative and warmly delivered, brought this past to life. Our visit to the magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Passau, one of the most significant Baroque churches north of the Alps, also left a lasting impression.
The spiritual centrepiece of our pilgrimage was the commemoration at the tomb of Blessed Gisela. In the tranquility of the venerable monastery church of Niedernburg, the special bond between Bavaria and Hungary became tangibly evident. There, I had the privilege of delivering an address commemorating the life of this extraordinary woman, whose Christian service continues to transcend the boundaries of the centuries. We paid our respects to her with a wreath-laying ceremony and the communal celebration of Holy Mass.
As a tangible symbol of remembrance and fellowship, each participant received a specially designed certificate documenting their participation in this pilgrimage.
In the evening, we gathered for the pilgrims’ dinner in Passau’s historic Ratskeller. In a warm and convivial atmosphere, conversations continued and friendships were strengthened. Two students provided a special musical highlight, enriching the evening with their Styrian accordions and bringing to life a piece of the vibrant Alpine musical tradition.
On Sunday, we travelled to Arnstorf, where we commemorated the achievements of our Order’s former Captain General, General Vitéz Ferenc Farkas de Kisbarnak, at his grave. The commemorative address was delivered by our Captain General, Archduke Joseph Karl of Habsburg-Lorraine. Through joint prayer and a wreath-laying ceremony, we honoured the memory of a man whose life remains closely connected with the history of the Order of Vitéz.
After sharing lunch at the Oberwirt inn, we were welcomed at Arnstorf Castle with a further special gesture of hospitality. An invitation to tour the castle, followed by coffee, brought the pilgrimage to a close in a pleasant and personal atmosphere.
Three days in which encounters grew into fellowship, and in which the history of our Order was as present as the values that unite us.
As host, I look back on this pilgrimage with profound gratitude. My special thanks go to our Captain General, to all participants who travelled from near and far, and to the hosts and everyone involved who contributed to making these days such a success.
Fides Fidelitas Officium
